Blog Hop - Tell me more about your connection with disability

My connection with a disability, you ask?

I have three kids - those of you who know me, know how amazing they are. Those of you who don't, well, you are missing out!!

Skylar - Age 12 ( Oh MY gosh! I can not believe she is 12!!) ASPERGER SYNDROME

When Skylar was a baby, her father and I always knew something was "off". She always had these odd tendencies and strange way of dealing with things. We called them "quirks". After she got kicked out of her 3rd Preschool, I took action. I knew something was going on. I just didn't know what. I was 22 and a first time mom. My daughter was supposed to be perfect! We brought her to a few doctors who kept telling us it was ADHD. But I refused to think that was all that it was. I knew there had to be more. Her father and I separated and I still went to more doctors. They then blamed it on our separation. I was less then thrilled. More and more docs, more and more opinions, which all boiled down to ADHD. They tried to shove meds at me and I said no. Fast forward to age 7. First Grade. HUGE issues in school. Getting referrals and more. I jumped back on track and went to more doctors. I finally was sent to a developmental pediatrician. Where FINALLY, I got some answers. 2 years pass by... more testing, more paperwork. 

Here came the term, Asperger Syndrome.  What in the world is that?? 

More testing and finally a diagnosis. Asperger Syndrome with Semi Pragmatic Disorder, with a dose of ADHD for good measure.  So what does this mean? It means, my daughter is super smart, but socially lacking. She doesn't have a third eye, she doesn't go around beating other kids up, she doesn't even have bad grades. She does, however, have an inability to look people in the eye, the inability to have appropriate conversation and often talks about nothing pertaining to the topic at hand. She is an amazing artist and knows more about cats then the zoo! She is currently medicated, but only for the ADHD aspect of her disability. And it is such a low dose, that it is really only to help her pay attention better...

She is amazing, and I wouldn't have her any other way.

Dakota - Age 6 DOWN SYNDROME

When Dakota was in utero, I took the AFP test. This test gives you a ratio on your chances of having a child with Down Syndrome. Now, so you know, this test is optional. I only took it because it was paid for and why not? When my results came back as "failing", I still wasn't really concerned. Because they have to put the mark somewhere, results under 1:300 are considered failing. That's one in 300 chances of having a child with down syndrome.My results were 1:174, that's one in 174 chances of having a child with down syndrome. Less then one percent. I was given the abort question, which was never a thought or option. And we continued our pregnancy as usual. They did an ultrasound to check his heart and it was perfect. He measured perfect, nothing was abnormal. 

August 14th, 2005, Dakota came flying into the world. As he was being lifted out of me I saw it. The eyes of an angel. I knew. The first words out of my mouth, as if in slow motion..."He has Down Syndrome!" 

Suddenly everything was fast forwarding, tears, crying, shouting, consoling. As I sat there watching everyone buzz around me. 

6 years later, we are still learning, everyday. He never ceases to amaze us with what he can do! He may be a little slow at things, but he can do it! He is talking more and more. He can run, jump and dance. Oh boy, can he dance!! 

Eli - Age 1 

Eli doesn't have a disability, that we are aware of. But I cant mention two kids and not the third. I will say for Eli, that he is as spoiled as they come. He cries, a lot. Over stupid stuff. Ha Ha! But we adore him just the same. And its amazing to see his brother and sister interact with him. Skylar loves babying him and Dakota loves hugging him. Hmm, wonder where the spoiling comes from :) He is an amazing addition to our family and makes us complete.

I am thankful for all the friends I have made along the way of our journey, which is just beginning! It seems every day we meet more and more friends!

I am also thankful for the friends we lost along the way. They have made us stronger and more aware that we need to spread awareness across the world for these disabilities! 

For now, we are just gonna keep on, keeping on...

This is my first Blog Hop with thanks to With A Little Moxie! I hope you enjoyed it!